Manuel Guevara, a lifelong resident of Karnes County, Texas, entered eternal rest, Monday, May 27, 2013, in the Bluebonnet Nursing Home in Karnes City, Texas.

Manuel was born March 2, 1940 in Helena, Texas the son of Jose M. Guevara and Gabriela Recio Guevara. In October 2004, Manuel married Hien Tran in Kenedy, Texas. Manuel worked for many years at B&B Grocery Store and was a member of the Elim Pentecostal Church in Karnes City, Texas.

Manuel is survived by his wife, Hien Tran Guevara of Kenedy; his sisters, Carmelita Guevara of Kenedy and Alicia Munoz of Temple and his nephew, Billy Guevara and wife Hope of Beeville. Mr. Guevara is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Maria Josephina Guevara and his brothers, Bruno and Ramon Guevara.

Visitation will be held, Wednesday, May 29, 2013 and a prayer service will be held Wednesday, at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held, 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 30, 2013 in Eckols Chapel with Dr. Honorio Velázquez officiating. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Eva G. Villanueva, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Friday, May 24, 2013, in her residence in Kenedy at the age of 81.

Eva was born, April 7, 1932, the daughter of Rodolfo and Martina Garza. On September 16, 1951, Eva married Majin Villanueva in Kenedy, Texas. Eva worked as a care provider for many years at Green’s Rest Home in Kenedy, Texas and was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy.

Eva is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Majin Villanueva; her daughters, Martina Garcia and husband Ruben of Kenedy, Mary Jane Lerma and husband David of Kenedy and Mary Christi Martinez and husband Alex of Floresville; her sons, Majin Villanueva, III of Kenedy, Mario Villanueva and wife Yolanda of San Antonio, John David Villanueva and wife Elizabeth of San Antonio, Edward Villanueva and wife Brenda of Kenedy and Adam Joseph Villanueva and wife Michelle also of Kenedy; her sisters, Sylvia Guerro of Houston and Belia Pena of Sundown; her two brothers, Adan Garza and Rudy Garza both of Levelland. Mrs. Villanueva is also survived by her 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren- whom she all loved very much. Eva is preceded in death by her parents, Rodolfo and Martina Garza.

Visiation will begin at 5:00 P.M., Sunday, May 26, 2013, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M., Sunday in the church. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 2:00 P.M., Monday, May 27, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church officiated by Rev. Paschal Bergin. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Virginia “Ginger” C. Johnson, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, in the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital at the age of 71.

Ginger was born in Seguin, Texas on August 12, 1941. She is preceded in death by her parents, Norman F.E. Schmidt and Willie Mae Vornsand Schmidt and her brother, Wayne Carby. She attended Yoakum High school, Class of 1960. After graduation Ginger attended Baldwin Business School and began working at the District Office of the Highway Department in Yoakum. On July 17, 1965, Ginger married Ervin Johnson at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Yoakum, Texas. That same year, Ervin and Ginger moved and began their lives in Kenedy, Texas.

Ginger loved life and was passionate about so many things. Over the years, Ginger spent many hours working with her church at Good Shepherd and civic organizations like the Jaycee’s-Ette Club, the Kenedy Gaur and Bluebonnet Days Festival, The Kenedy Chamber of Commerce and the Kenedy Main Street Beautification Program. Ginger was also involved in the Karnes County Livestock Show, the Kenedy Progressive Study Club and many activities supporting Kenedy I.S.D. Outside of her civic and church functions, Ginger had an array of other interests including landscaping and keeping a beautiful yard, cooking and baking delicious things, decorating and planning events for anything and everything and an animal lover at heart with an endless love for her family and friends.

Ginger is survived by her beloved husband of over 47 years, Ervin Johnson of Kenedy; her daughter, Shelly Lynn Johnson of San Antonio; her son, Van Clinton Johnson of Kenedy; her sisters, Janice Stanford, Sharon (Glenn) Laqua, Linda Schmidt, Sandra Schmidt and her brother, Norman Ray (Brenda) Schmidt.

Visitation was held, Sunday, May 26, 2013, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, May 27, 2013 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kenedy, Texas with Rev. Wally Schievelbein officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, Erwin Carby, Aubrey Laqua, Jeremy Schmidt, Jarod Wenske, Chris Stanford, Greg Stanford, Eric Johnson, Errol Johnson, Kevin Samsel, Jason Samsel and Ross Brooks. Serving as honorary pallbearers were all the men and women Ginger so passionately worked with over the years in church and civic organizations. The family wishes to thank all the nurses, doctors and hospitals that cared for Ginger.

Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; P.O. Box 32, Kenedy, Texas 78119, The American Cancer Society; 125 Bluebonnet Drive, Kenedy, Texas 78119 or the Kenedy Main Street Beautification Program; 205 S. 2^nd Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Ruth Helen McVicar Mixon passed away, Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the age of88 years, 3 months and 29 days. She was born January 15, 1925, in Alpena, Michigan, the daughter of John Frederick McVicar and Charlotte Elizabeth Christian McVicar. Ruth married Denver Edward Mixon on December 4, 1943 in Alpena, Michigan. Soon after their marriage, they moved to Kenedy, Texas where they lived for twenty-five years, then later moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1968. After 60 years of marriage, Denver preceded her in death.

Survivors include three sons and daughter-in-laws, Denver and Phyllis Mixon of Doss, Texas, Jim and Carrie Mixon of Coleman, Texas, and Larry and Patty Mixon of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth worked as a bookkeeper most of her adult life and was involved in numerous school and civic activities. She had many artistic talents. Two of her best were oil painting and sewing. Her hobbies included reading, playing “42” with friends, entertaining and hunting.

Visitation began, Monday May 20, 2013 at 9:00 A.M., and funeral services began at 11:00 A.M., Monday in the Eisenhauer Road Baptist Church, San Antonio Texas with Rev. Dan Marshall officiating. Interment followed at 3:00 P.M., in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Ruth’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Morning Star Memory Care and also HCM Hospice for their love, kindness, and support.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to HCM Hospice, P.O. Box 835, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 or to the charity of your choice.

David Chapa, Sr., a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 8:45 P.M., in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 15 days.

David was born on December 23, 1933 in Mineral, Texas the son of Abundio Chapa and Celedina Zambrano Chapa. On September 13, 1953, David married Juanita Ortegon in Kingsville, Texas. David was of the Catholic faith.

David is survived by his beloved wife of over 59 years, Juanita Ortegon Chapa of Kenedy; his daughters, Olivia “Libby” Chapa of San Antonio and Odilia Shuttlesworth of Corpus Christi; his sons, Armando Chapa of Buford, Georgia; Israel Chapa and wife Grace of Victoria; David Chapa, Jr., and wife Andrea of Seguin and Roy Rodriguez of Beeville; his sister, Maria Gonzalez and his 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Mr. Chapa is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Emilia Guerrero and his brothers, Francisco and Luciano Chapa.

Visitation was held, Monday, May 13, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Monday, May 13, 2013, in the funeral home chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Teodoro Alvarez, Sr., 89, of Kenedy, Texas passed away peacefully, Saturday, April 27, 2013, in the Bluebonnet Nursing ad Rehab Center in Karnes City, Texas. Teodoro was born, April 8, 1924 in Karnes City, the son of Simon Alvarez and Adelia Nuniez Alvarez.

Teodoro is survived by his beloved wife of over 64 years, Lillie Jannsen Alvarez of Kenedy; his daughters, Frances Alvear and husband Solio of League City and Oralia Moreno and husband Benito of Beeville; his sons, Alfredo Alvarez, Jr., and wife Adelfa of Pawnee, Ernesto Alvarez and wife Veronica of Floresville and Teodoro Alvarez, Jr., of Kenedy; his sisters, Minnie Horton and Ester Casanova, both of Kenedy; his 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mr. Alvarez is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ernestimo Alvarez and his sister, Manuela Salas.

Visiation was held, Monday, April 29, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary was recited, Monday at 7:00 P.M., in the chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated, 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 29, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Leon Rubaj. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Martin Puente, Sr., a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, entered eternal rest, Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:50 P.M., in the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital in Kenedy, Texas at the age of 86 years, 5 months and 14 days.

Martin was born November 11, 1926, the son of Arnulfo Puente and Saragosa Vasquez Puente. He attended Kenedy Schools and was a very skilled carpenter. On September 29, 1946, Martin married Eleanor Padron in Kenedy, Texas.  

Martin is survived by his daughter, Rosa Linda Graham and husband Donald of Houston and Gloria Dow and husband Bill of Montgomery; his son, Martin Puente, Jr., and wife Suzzanne of New Braunfels; his sisters, Fannie Lopez, Tila Solis and husband Ralph and Maria Elizondo and his brother, Gilbert Puente and wife Gloria. Martin is also survived by his grandchildren and his 3 great-grandchildren. Mr. Padron is preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Eleanor Padron Puente, his parents and 4 brothers.

Visiation was held, Sunday, April 28, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary was recited, Sunday at 7:00 P.M., in the chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated, 11:00 A.M., Monday, 29, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Leon Rubaj officiating. Interment followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Martin’s grandchildren, Orlando Gonzales, Raquel Gonzales, Kelly Puente, Amy Puente, Esteban Puente, Teresa Blancas and David Graham. Serving as honorary pallbearers were, Gilbert Puente and Leo Rodriguez.

Rosa Morales Garcia, a resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Buda, Texas at the age of 92 years.

Rosa was born, November 13, 1920 in Victoria, Texas the daughter of Calistro Morales and Juliana Morales. After school, Rosa worked for Dr. Quillian and Dr. Mils in Kenedy. In 1953, Rosa married Mercedes Garcia, Sr., in the St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City, Texas.

Rosa is survived by her beloved husband of over 60 years, Mercedes Garcia, Sr., of Buda; her daughter, JoAnn Barrandey and husband Louis of Midland; her son, Benjamin Lee Garcia and wife Barbara of Buda and her grandchildren, Erick Barrandey of Fort Worth, JohnPaul Barrandey of Lubbock, Jared Barrandy of Midland and Bradford Garcia and Bernadette Garcia of Buda. Mrs. Garcia is preceded in death by her parents; her one sister and four brothers.

Visitation was held, Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Rev. Leon Rubaj officiating. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Pearl Bingham Alley, a former resident of Kenedy and Victoria, Texas, passed away, Friday, April 12, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 85 years, 6 months and 26 days. Pearl was born, September 17, 1927, in DeWitt County the daughter of Will Shock and Nancy DuBose Shock.

She is survived by her daughters, Janeane Quarles and husband Jackie, Kathy Schneider and Judy Van Zant and husband Robert; her sons, Dwight Bingham and Brian Bingham; her sister, Ruby Honeycutt and her 13 grandchildren. Pearl is preceded in death by her parents, Will and Nancy Shock.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 15, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with T.J. Burris officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Herminia Longoria Martinez, a longtime resident of Runge, Texas, entered into enteral rest, Thursday, April 11, 2013 in the Karnes City Health and Rehab Center in Karnes City at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 17 days.

Herminia was born in Gillette, Texas, the daughter of Jose Longoria and Adelfina De Bosque Longoria. She married, Ramon H. Martinez in Beeville, Texas. Herminia was of the Catholic faith and a devoted and loving wife, mother and homemaker.

Herminia is survived by her daughters, Ramona L. Wheeler and Sara M. Garcia and husband Lorenzo, both of Runge; her sons, Ponciano L. Martinez of San Antonio, Moses L. Martinez of Runge, Joshue L. Martinez of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Gary Martinez; her sisters, Mary Thomsa and Eva Alvarado, both of Waxahachie and numerous nieces and nephews. Ms. Martinez is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Ramon; her son, Malachi Martinez and her brother, Inez Martinez.

Visiation was held, Monday, April 15, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, and rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Monday also in the funeral home chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Runge with Rev. Leon Rubaj officiating. Interment followed in the Runge Catholic Cemetery.